Blog Tour: Epiphany by Christina Jean Michaels

Epiphany 

by 

Christina Jean Michaels 

Pub July 19, 2012 

ARC for review 

Book Description: “I had my first psychic dream when I was nine. Psychic implied power, and powerful wasn’t a word I’d use to describe myself. I couldn’t foretell the future or conjure visions at will, but I couldn’t think of a more fitting word to describe what I sometimes saw in my dreams.”

For 23-year-old Mackenzie Hill, tossing her life down the garbage disposal is easy after a painful incident shatters her life. Her heart is bleeding, and moving to Watcher’s Point is a chance to start anew, only she isn’t prepared for the guy who walks out of her dreams and into the flesh. Literally . . . because she’s been dreaming about this sexy stranger for years.  

Mackenzie is even less prepared to face the dark nature of her dreams. They’ve turned disturbingly gruesome, full of blood and murder, and when they begin to coincide with the media’s headlines, she and Aidan realize her visions might be the key to stopping a madman from killing again.

Only Aidan has painful secrets of his own, and perhaps the biggest danger of all is falling for him.

The Way I See It

Wow! Epiphany was such an entertaining read. It has a touch of paranormal but just a touch. All of the characters were intriguing and I was gripped to the pages as I went along. This was a one-stop-shop. It had suspense, intrigue, drama, love, second chances and betrayal. Try saying that 5 times fast... lol. Seriously, I thought the Kardashians were scandalous. Well let me tell you they’ve got nothing on the people from the small town of Watchers Point. This was a different and very fun read that I totally lost myself in.

E-ntertaining, meeting new people was never Kenzie’s thing. Dating was the last thing on her mind.
P-arents, angry with her mother and never knowing her father, Kenzie is trying to find herself in this world.
I-ntriguing a stranger who is anything but a stranger comes barreling into Kenzie’s life. Little does she know its about to change forever.
P-romise, to make sure no one else is hurt, Aidan will stop at nothing to find a murderer.
H-urt, so much pain has followed Aidan and Mackenzie. Their pasts seem to be a barrier keeping them apart.
A-nger, Mackenzie’s mother unloads a world of pain on her daughter. Now Kenzie must get away to seek answers from the only person who can give them to her.
N-otorious, a danger to everyone has managed to get away with so much destruction it seems he can elude at every turn.
Y-earning, to move on and put everything in the past is what Kenzie wishes. It seems her past refuses to let go and it could me the most dangerous yet.

Eeeeep... yep there’s more to come! I have the full blown grin tongue hanging out, panting like an excited little puppy. :) I am dying to read more about this complex little town with these intriguing characters. Ms. Michaels does an amazing job of introducing everyone...I want to know more and I want HEA’s for EVERYONE! This was one thrilling chase. Kenzie’s dreams were the key to so many things. I loved the way Aidan was there for her from the beginning. Get this book you won’t regret it.

My Fav’s

Mackenzie
Major Baggage Alert. Wow this poor girl has got some serious pain and betrayal that she is trying to work through. Its not easy when the love of your life rips out your heart. Well, even with having to deal with all that we get to know her and realize she is kind and caring. For all of the hurt she has suffered she is still empathetic I’m looking forward to reading more about Kenzie as she discovers who she really is and what her abilities mean for her.


Aidan
Strong, handsome, brooding, Aidan comes to Watchers point looking to stop a killer. The last thing he was counting on was finding Kenzie, funny thing about fate is it doesn’t wait for you it vomits on your leather jacket when you least expect it. I’m looking forward to knowing Aidan better, I knew he was a protector for a reason. I just knew it ;)

My Wish

What the heck is up with this Payne family?! Hamilton...Dying to know what is really going on!

My Rating

4.25 Masquerade, Blue Vomit, Birthday Brawl, Gold Necklace, Kitchen Counter, Elmo Costume, Thanksgiving Day Debacle, Spilled Coffee, Gunshot Wound, Second Chances Love Filled Stars!

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About the Author

Christina Jean Michaels was born in Paradise, California, but she has found the true home of her heart in Eugene, Oregon where she finds plenty of inspiration for storytelling. 



When she was young, her mother said she hated words. Now she can't imagine not writing. She became an avid reader when she was thirteen and discovered the world of Sweet Valley High. About a year later she realized she could play God and write about her own characters. She has been writing in some form ever since.



She lives with her husband and their four children—three rambunctious UFC/wrestling-loving boys and one girl who steals everyone’s attention.

Stalky Things

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads  

Giveaway

(4) Signed Print Copies of Epiphany – US Only (3) Epiphany ebooks (via Amazon)

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Blog Tour: The Liberator (Dante Walker #2) by Victoria Scott

The Liberator

(Dante Walker #2)
 

Victoria Scott
 

Release Date: 

August 27, 2013

From Entangled Teen



Summary
GoodReads

Bad boy, meet bad girl.

Dante has a shiny new cuff wrapped around his ankle, and he doesn't like that mess one bit. His new accessory comes straight from Big Guy himself and marks the former demon as a liberator. Despite his gritty past and bad boy ways, Dante Walker has been granted a second chance.

When Dante is given his first mission as a liberator to save the soul of seventeen-year-old Aspen, he knows he’s got this. But Aspen reminds him of the rebellious life he used to live and is making it difficult to resist sinful temptations. Though Dante is committed to living clean for his girlfriend Charlie, this dude’s been a playboy for far too long…and old demons die hard.

With Charlie becoming the girl she was never able to be pre-makeover and Aspen showing him how delicious it feels to embrace his inner beast, Dante will have to go somewhere he never thought he’d return to in order to accomplish the impossible: save the girl he’s been assigned to, and keep the girl he loves.

Our Review Of 

The Collector (Dante Walker #1)

Here

Lindy's Thoughts

When I read The Collector, by Victoria Scott, I fell in love with everything that her story and writing entailed. I was in awe of the characters that she created, especially the main character, Dante Walker. I have been highly anticipating The Liberator, ever since I was informed that it would be the sequel to The Collector. As many of us avid readers have experienced, the middle book or sequels in a series often suffer from the dreaded "sophomore syndrome." This is where the plot slows down, the characters become more stagnant in their growth, and there are a lot of "fillers," or unnecessary "fluff," added to the story. Then, the last book in the series usually ends with a bang! This is when we get to experience accelerated action, intense character development, and resolution of all conflict. Well, I am excited to say, The Liberator, did not suffer from the dreaded "sophomore syndrome," instead it provided more developed and well-rounded characters, action, surprises, plot twists, and the steaminess tipped the scale!!!

The Liberator, continues where The Collector left off, and is told from the infamous, witty, and swoon-worthy Dante Walker! Everything I loved in The Collecter, transferred over into The Liberator, only we get more! More action, more intensity, more plot twists, more sexy and romantic scenes between Dante and Charlie, more character growth, and more love for the series! Dante is assigned by the "big guy" to liberate a girl by the name of Aspen. He isn't given much information about why Aspen needs to be liberated, only that she is somehow important to Charlie's safety. Aspen was such a fun character and I quickly grew to love her. She really was Dante's, "soul sister." They were alike in their need to escape from feeling, by indulging in excessive vices, and both had a lot of demons from their past to contend with. Yet, they were both loyal to the people that they loved, honest, witty, funny, and had great potential for personal growth. In fact, both Dante and Aspen's character's grew, and flourished from the beginning to the end of the story. Charlie also grew as a character. I loved watching her take charge of her own life and she became more independent, strong, and assertive. We were introduced to more secondary characters, and other characters from book 1, such as Annabelle, Val, (or "Red,") Max, and Kraven, took on larger and more significant role in this sequel. I felt like I really got to know all of the characters on a much deeper level.

The Liberator, kept my attention throughout the whole story. As I devoured this sequel, my emotions were taxed. I laughed, I smiled, I cried, and I swooned. These characters were tested, and forced to face their greatest fears, and the theme of friendship was heavily woven throughout the story. Dante, Charlie, Aspen, Val, Max, and Kraven, learned to lean on one another in order to overcome fear, pain, suffering, and danger. Sacrifices were made, love was discovered, team work was established, and secrets were revealed. For a highly addictive read that brings that special something, I highly recommend The Liberator. This is a paranormal romance that you do not want to miss!!!

My Rating

I give The Liberator by Victoria Scott 5 Exceptional, Action-Packed, Addictive, and Alluring Stars! Dante Walker shines as a character that delivers humor, honesty, entertainment, and sex appeal! You will be entranced in Ms. Scott's seamless story telling ability, and enraptured by the characters that she has created. As an ardent reader, I devour several books a week, and I can tell you that, The Collector Series, stands out for it's creative and fast-paced plot, witty humor, unforgettable and authentic characters, and flawless, vivid descriptions. The Collector, and The Liberator top my list for favorite books published in 2013. Read this series. It is one I will always treasure, and remember. 

My Favorite Quotes

"What's more, I'm afraid this girl could easily lure me into her lair. Because this life she's living, I know it all too well. She looks at me, and a shiver races down my spine. How do I liberate a girl who is exactly like me?" (eARC, Loc. 1024)
~Dante

"I don't want you to change. Since the moment I met you, I knew you weren't like me. You were better. You are better. You're the person I wish I could be. Your whole life...it means something. It means something so big that angels and demons are buzzing around you, trying to take some for themselves." (eARC, Loc. 2279)
~Dante

"If I had a soul, I say. I'd give it to you." (eARC, Loc. 2302)
~Dante 

The Way Ria Sees It

Eeeeeeeep!!! 

My inner angel is fighting to break free! 

Liberators, 

Collectors, 

and Sirens 

OH.MY! 

I have bee waiting.Waiting.WAITING.WAITING! For Liberator and I was not one teensy tiny bit disappointed! Ms. Awesome Scott! Delivers BIG time! POW! If you enjoyed the Collector you will LOVE the Liberator! *Sigh* Seriously, I want to go kick serious Demon A$$! I’m all sorts of Cray Mad! Like Dante says add enough psycho and any one can become lethal...Well, I’m ready to go all nasty pants on Rector. That guy SUCKS hard. I want to introduce him to my fist! Direct. Oh and if you haven’t read the Collector, then it's a good thing its almost the weekend and you can go buy it ASAP!


L-ife, Dante was granted an amazing gift and with it comes great responsibility. Will he be able to live up to his expectations?
I-nnocence, Charlie takes Dante’s heart completely. His love for her makes him do things he would have never even thought to do.
B-efriend, Dante receives his first assignment away from his heart. He knows he must get close to Aspen. Will she cause him to fall into his bad habits?
E-ntrusted, having a kind heart, Charlie embraces those around her. Her gift is also her curse, always seeing the good in people can make her blind to the malice that lays in the hearts of those that have fallen.
R-ealization, things are set in motion and all that remains is for everyone to fight for what they believe in. Demons exist, and until you are willing to face and fight them, they have the power to overcome you.
A-spen, has always wanted to have someone who cares for her. She wants to care for someone. Colliding with the person she was destined to meet, Aspen will realize what she must do, refusing to turn back.
T-relvator, we know Charlie is the key to bringing peace but what other roles need filling?  The stories start to unravel, showing us everyone's true colors.
O-pportunity, Dante has given all that he has to keep Charlie safe, and to make her happy. The moment she is threatened, Dante will do the unthinkable with zero hesitation.
R-esolve, Aspen has always known something was pretty special. She will prove her valiance. Her friends and her blossoming love make a promise their goals will be achieved. Too much hangs on the line for them not to fight with every ounce of effort.


Ahem...Ahem... Holy Moly Mother Effin Flippity Flip Flipping Cliffhanger!!! 

Gah!!!! 

Okay, okay, I’m still breathing, but ONLY because of everyone's resolve at the end! I feel good, I feel pumped!! Seriously! Ms. Scott has proven she is an awesome writer. I was 100% engaged from beginning to end. I was on an emotional roller coaster with this one!! 

My Fav’s

Dante
We know that not just anyone becomes a Collector, and NO ONE has ever been BOTH?! Unheard of, not for Dante! POW! His personality shines through the pages and he feels real. Like some of the stuff he says, I’ve heard my friends say...*Sigh* What Dante feels is his weakness, ends up being the strongest part of him. We see him go through an amazing change.

Charlie
Amazing, Kind, Loving, Beautiful, inside and out. Charlie knows that she loves Dante, and will do just about anything for him. I admire her tenacity and her determination. She is so selfless, and she inspires kindness and good will to those around her. She might not be a Collector or a Liberator, but she rocks. In a Charlie sort of way, but yea she pretty much rocks it!

My Wish

I want a certain someone that starts with Anna and ends with Belle to find LOOOOve! With my Looove! No! NOT Dante, someone else blond guy, super sexy and a general all around bad a$$!!

My Rating

4.5 Cubs Hat, Kia Rental, Little Sister, Black Polish, Absentee Father, Cabin getaway, Siren Showdown, Scrolls, Sacrifice, Black and Blue Powerful and Soft, A forever promise of love filled STARS!!! I will be dying till I get my hands on the next book...I KNOW YOU’LL LOVE it! Go get your copy on the 27th!! asap like ;)

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About the Author 

I’m a teen fiction writer with a die-hard affection for dark and humorous books. My work is represented by Sara Crowe of Harvey Klinger literary agency. I have a master’s degree in marketing, and currently live in Dallas with my husband, Ryan. My first series started with THE COLLECTOR, and was published by Entangled Teen in April 2013. The second book in the trilogy, THE LIBERATOR, will release August 2013. My next series kicks off with FIRE & FLOOD and is being published by Scholastic, February 2014.

Stalky Things

Website | Blog | Twitter | Goodreads | Dante's Website

***GIVEAWAY***
1 signed copy of THE LIBERATOR and a signed copy of TWILIGHT, international. 

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Blog Tour: Consume (The Clann #3) by Melissa Darnell

Consume 

(The Clann #3) 

by 

Melissa Darnell 

August 27th 2013 

by Harlequin Teen 

ARC for Review 

These violent delights have violent ends 

And in their triumph die, like fire and powder, Which, as they kiss, CONSUME.

 —William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet 

Tristan Coleman has survived the change from Clann magic user to vampire, much to Savannah Colbert's joy—and despair. By changing the Clann's golden boy and newly elected leader, even to save him from death, she has unleashed a fury of hatred and fear that they cannot escape.

As the Clann and the vampire council go to war, Tristan and Sav face a new threat—a fracturing of the all-consuming bond they share. To fight for peace, they must forge a new trust and risk everything to take down their deadliest enemy, even as they must run for their lives. Soon they will learn that some bonds are stronger than love—and some battles cannot be won without sacrifice.

Lindy's Thoughts

I read the first two books in the series, Crave, and Covet, when they first came out.  I loved them so much, and have been waiting for the opportunity to read Consume for a long time now.  I love young adult books, because it gives me the opportunity to reflect on my high school years, growing up, forming strong friendships, and falling in love for the first time.  The Clann series has brought me back to my high school years.  Then, you add elements of magic, mystery, action, love, romance, deception, betrayal, and adventure, and are given an amazing series!

Consume began where Covet left off, and was told from the alternating perspectives of Savannah, and Tristan.  It begins with Tristan going through his transformation and learning to let go of his old life, and embrace his new reality.  Savannah, and her father are instrumental in helping Tristan adapt, and adjust to the changes that are taking place.  Unfortunately, as Tristan goes through his transformation, many conflicts arise.  Some of these conflicts include not acting off of instinct alone, the fact that Savannah and him cannot shield their thoughts from one another, disagreements, and powerful enemies.  Danger errupts, and lives are lost, leaving Savannah and Tristan at a crossroads, when they have a huge difference of opinion.  As a war begins between the Clann. and the vampires, Savannah, and Tristan are caught in the middle.  They are on the run, and their enemies seem to always be a step ahead of them.  Unfortunately, Savannah and Tristan are facing a war on many fronts, and the largest one seems to be the inner conflicts that each of them face.

I loved how Consume hooked me right away!  The author even recapped the most important events that occurred in the first two books in the series, which helped my memory, since it had been a while since I read them.  I enjoy action-packed stories, and plot twists that pique my curiosity, and keep my attention.  Consume was magical, imaginative, and captivating!  Savannah and Tristan were well developed characters, and I enjoyed hearing their voices, as they each told me their part of the story.  This series would make a great movie.  It had aspects that were unique, vivid imagery, tugged on my heartstrings, and touched on universal life lessons.  If you are looking for a young adult paranormal series, this is one you should definitely try!  

My Rating 

I give Consume by Melissa Darnell 4 Magical, Adventurous, and Suspenseful Stars!  The Clann Series is a great  series for YA Paranormal Romance lovers!  If you are in the mood for a series filled with drama, secrets, mysteries, and magic, then this series should be at the top of your list.  I have highly enjoyed this series, and have been following it since Crave came out.  Like a good friend that moves away, I am sad to say goodbye. 



My Favorite Quotes

"He pressed a slow, lingering kiss to my forehead, then each cheek, the tip of my nose and then my lips again.  And I was finally whole once more."  (eARC, Loc. 350)
~Savannah

"Anywhere you are is my home, Savannah."  (eARC, Loc. 853)
~Tristan

"You know perfectly well that we don't have to kill anyone to survive anymore.  Nothing makes any of us monsters except the decisions we make and the actions we take."  (eARC, Loc. 1590)
~Savannah

"It is both human and apparently vampire nature to want to hold on to that which you love with every ounce of strength that you possess.  But if you truly love someone, that is the only way to love them.  To love loosely is the hardest love to learn.  But it is also the strongest and most selfless form of love you can give another."  (eARC, Loc. 2143)
~Savannah's Dad   

"It was what each of us went through, the terrors and trial we faced and survived, that made us grow up or, in Mac's and my cases, faster."  (eARC, Loc. 3453)
~Tristan

The Way Ria Sees It

Seriously this book goes by at vamp speed! I’m so sad this trilogy is over. I wish there were just one more. Maybe a New Adult 4th installment? That would be splendorific! Alas, I understand that is just my huge fandom speaking and Ms. Darnell knows whats best for her characters. Can I say how happy I am about the way these books ended? I am through the moon! Every thing was nice and tidy. The ONLY thing I would’ve changed is... I would’ve wanted it to be longer! Lol, I imagine you could’ve guessed that though. This was a great fun escape!

C-hange, everything as Tristan once knew it, is different. It will take immense willpower and patience to face life as it is now.
O-pportunity, all that they have ever wanted was to be together and now they must face other challenges that are pulling them apart.
N-ormalcy, Tristan will fight his inner demons for a chance to be with and love Savannah the way she deserves.
S-urprise, death and ultimate war surrounds them they must fight to get to the ones they love. It will take careful planning and strategizing to keep everyone safe.
U-nforeseen, an unknown source holds the evidence and the key to stop the nightmare that has become everyones life. Getting what they need will be their greatest challenge.
M-erger, long time enemies must join forces in order to overcome the truest evil. A long lost friend will help eradicate the greatest enemy.
E-ndeavors, a time of peace is in the future but to ensure the continued alliances, it will be up to Savannah and Tristan accepting another daunting challenge.

Yay Pom Pom’s out! 

I just love Tristan & Savannah all of the characters have come such a long way. Everyone is faced with difficult decisions and they handle them spectacularly. I really enjoyed Caravans roll as vampire council leader. It seems Ms. Darnell really did a great job tackling all of the paranormal topics and steam rolled right through them. Whether in the thralls of war or the personal misunderstandings between our characters, there is never a dull moment. If you enjoy reading about vampires and witches this series is for you!

My Fav's

Tristan
Wow, Tristan has gone through so much. He has been a resounding hero throughout. I never doubted him, not for one second. He has never let the challenges he faces keep him for obtaining his goals. My heart goes out to him for all the loss he has had to endure. Every terrible event just cements his incredible worth for me.

Savannah
Lol, out of all of the characters Savannah shows the greatest growth. I loved the way she develops a sense of right for those around her. She looks out for everyone she cares for and some how becomes the foundation that holds their group together.

My Rating

4.5 Circle, Impromptu diner, Synthetic Blood, RV, Demonic Dog, Vampire Dancer, Watch, Family Meeting, Peace Ambassadors, Eternity Together Love Filled Stars! YA Paranormal strikes again and the story and ending are awesome! Go Team! Read This Book!

Purchase Through: 

Amazon | B&N | IndieBound

About the Author

Melissa Darnell is the author of a growing list of adult and YA fiction and nonfiction books. Born in California, she grew up in Texas and has also called the following states home since then: Utah, West Virginia, Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, Iowa and South Dakota. She currently lives in Nebraska with her husband Tim and two children, Hunter and Alexander, where she enjoys watching Whale Wars, Glee and True Blood, designing digital graphic products for the virtual world of Second Life, and of course writing her latest book.

Website | Facebook | GoodReads | Twitter 

Clann Website

About Covet

Goodreads

Amazon | B&N | Indiebound

About Crave

Goodreads

Amazon | B&N | Indiebound

Melissa has a month's worth of freebies at Amazon!!! 

Aug. 5-13th: 

The Clann Series, Adult: 

Dance with Darkness, an adult paranormal romance short story and the first in the Clann Series Adult lineup, will be free for these five days at Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E8ZWB6O

Aug. 14-18th: 

The Source, a young adult fantasy romance normally $2.99, will be free for these five days at Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009B4OC28

Aug. 21-25th: 

Midnight Girls Series #1: Scent of Evil, a New Adult steamy paranormal romance, will be free for these five days at Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EADYMCU

Goodreads is giving away 15 copies of Consume!!  From July 23 - Aug 27, which anyone can enter. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13049897-consume

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